The author introduces the passage with this claim because both benefiting and hurting others can show power. When we hurt others we exhibit our power with a prominent force. The pain others feel from this can cause dependence on the person in power. When we benefit others they are already dependent on us and causes them to feel power due to our presence of power. Therefore, they feel an increase in power while the influencer feels a greater influence. This statement is the basis of the central idea of the text, it contributes to personal power achieved through any means. Although benefiting and hurting others seem contradicting they both lead to an increase in power for all involved.